Coral reefs are at the research core of many environmental applications. Understanding such diverse ecosystems is a challenging and exciting task. The ability to assess the condition of the reef structure and to monitor alterations to it is a fundamental need among a variety of different groups, such as the fishing and tourism industries and local communities whose livelihood depends on a healthy reef ecosystem.
Remote sensing technology allows us to extract biophysical information of coral reefs in a non-intrusive and relatively inexpensive manner. The recent commercial availability of high-resolution remote sensing image data has provided the reef research community with a new wealth of information. Up to now, the majority of image processing techniques developed for the purpose of coral reef mapping and monitoring has concentrated on the use of spectral information, without giving much consideration to the spatial context of the pixels. Recent preliminary studies by the hosts have produced promising results on the use of texture-based methods for extracting biophysical attribute information from high-resolution satellite image data sets of coral reefs.
The purpose of this research project is to bring together the digital image processing and texture analysis expertise of the researcher with the extensive environmental remote sensing and management skills of the two hosts. The project will enable the researcher to develop a unique set of skills and contribute to an important global effort to develop an integrated management programme for the mapping and monitoring of coral reefs worldwide.
Source: European Commission
